As vacations draw to an end, tackling back-to-school preparations becomes a priority for parents with kids. This means ticking down endless shopping lists of stationery and books, organizing your home and your kids' belongings to ensure a clean start, and above all, getting your little ones excited and geared up for another jam-packed scholastic year. Sometimes you might need to tighten your belt with all the expenses, but there are some fantastic DIY ideas you could use to save some extra cash, while also turning them into fun activities for yourself and your children to enjoy.
Forget branded and unreasonably-priced lunch boxes - this DIY lunchbox will not only save you money, it will give a fantastic, personalized look to your kid's lunch.
Source: CremeDeLaCraft
For a more organized and appealing way of storing crayons, make this simple banner out of any recycled material you may have. See the step by step instructions here.
Source: SayYes
Your young kids will enjoy this fun activity, which is certain to keep them occupied when times are tight - it simply involves stringing sentences together. Just cover the craft sticks with some magnetic tape, paint over using chalkboard paint, and use chalk to add words to each one. Wash off the words to change them from time to time.
Source: FourMarrsOneVenus
Color-coding is a great way to easily recognize the books you're looking for. Save your kids' time by adding some color to the edges of their notebooks to save them from having to fish through their bags to find the one they need.
Source: Imgur
Make your kids' bags more individual by adding some colorful labels with their names. You can get creative making your own, or you can download some cool ready-made ones (shown above) from here.
Source: SimplyKellyDesigns
Combining both a notebook and a chalkboard, this modifiable notebook cover is the sort of thing kids will love to scribble on, but can just as easily be removed.
Source: WarmHotChocolate
These colorful labels are sure to enliven your kids' books. Make your own or find the printable, more enlarged versions of the above here.
Source: OrangeYouLucky
Be inspired by the above fancy bookplates or download a copy of them from here.
Source: LavendersBlueDesigns
8. Build up a Special Homework Board
You only need a few recycled materials to create this fantastic bulletin board. Make it as colorful and attractive as possible so your kids can enjoy organizing their homework in a systematic way. Learn how to make it here.
Source: SheKnows
Tape is cheap, but can easily liven up the appearance of plain books, pencils, pockets, files and more. Use your creativity to form patterns and appealing color combinations.
Source: CoolMomPicks
How to Make Your Own Emergency Candles!
If you ever find yourself without any power, and need to make some candles in a hurry, then you're in luck!
Spruce Up Your Garden With These Brilliant DIY Ideas
This brilliant video contains 16 different DIY ideas that are perfect for any garden. What's more, they couldn't be any simpler to make!
Surprise Your Kids This Halloween With These Simple Crafts
Making some of these creepy Halloween crochet creations couldn't be simpler! Simply follow these video guides to make your own ones!
This Romanian Artist Redefines Glass Art
She makes marine life-themed glass vessels of all sorts: wine glasses, small glasses, bottles, pitchers, and even ceramic vessels.
The Whole Family Can Help Make These Christmas Crafts
If you're looking for something a little different this year, then why not give some of these alternative Christmas tree ideas a go?
This Family Makes Art. The Beach is Their Canvas
This family creates art together! Imagine what it would be like to wander on the beach and see their work in progress.
The Right Way to Fold a Sweater and Keep it Lasting Longer
This guide will teach you exactly how to fold your sweaters.
Lost a Key and Need to Pick a Lock? Do This!
Need to pick a lock? Here's how to do it.
WATCH: 7 Alternative Uses of Rice That Will Surprise You
Rice isn't just a delicious and wholesome grain, it's got a whole host of other surprising uses...
Women's Fashion Has Changed Quite a Bit Over the Century
Women's fashion has changed a great deal over the century. Take a look:
Do You Know Why Wedding Rings Are Worn On the 4th Finger?
There's a specific reason why we all wear our wedding rings on our fourth fingers, and this informative video will explain the tradition behind it.
Ten Genius Christmas Life Hacks You Surely Never Thought Of
The DIY solutions you always needed for this time of year...
These Tricks Have Helped Me Become Smart About Cleaning
12 tips and tricks to clean your house and maintain your furniture and appliances with ease
8 Everyday Activities That are Damaging Your Spine
Here's a list of everyday activities that harm your spine.
A Smarter Approach to Measuring Body Mass Index
The body mass index can actually be misleading. Here’s what you should use instead.
LIFE HACKS: 30 Practical Uses for Olive Oil!
3o things you can use olive oil for other than cooking with it.
16 Survival Gadgets for Any Emergency Situation
These cool gadgets can be extremely useful in any emergency situation.
31 Genius Uses for Lemon That Are Worth Knowing
Did you know that lemons could help you clean, cultivate, and even give first aid? Discover 31 brilliant uses of lemon....
Remove Blackheads From Your Skin Using These Sure Methods
Blackheads make our skin look terrible when it can easily look nice. Here are 6 efficient ways to rid yourself of those black dots right at home!
This Weird Hack Will Keep Your Cookies Fresh for Days
Keep your cookies fresh for days with this unbelievable, weird hack.
Apple Cider Vinegar Is Far More Versatile Than You Imagine
Apple cider vinegar is gaining a reputation around the world for its incredible versatility. Find out 13 great ways you can use this miracle liquid.
Has There Ever Been a Substance As Useful As This?
Vinegar has so many different uses around the house! You should always have a bottle of it handy.
10 Super-Effective Tips No One Else Will Tell You About
Fix and do just about anything with the following 10 supercool tips and tricks!
Keep Your Oven Clean with This All-Natural Cleaner
This non-toxic all-natural oven cleaner will keep your oven looking spick and span.
12 Ways to Remove Odors from a Microwave
If your microwave has lingering smells despite regular cleaning, here are 12 DIY solutions to neutralize those odors effectively.
I Never Knew Scarves Could Be Tied in This Many Ways!
25 creative ways to tie a scarf in less than 5 minutes
Borax Has So Many Uses! Here Are 26 of My Favorite
Did you know about these intriguing uses for Borax?
Hey! Did You Know Soap Has So Many Extra Uses?
Soap is much more than something useful for cleaning your hands and face. Here are 21 stunning uses for a bar of soap that I never even knew.
If Food Has Ever Stuck To Your Pan, You Need This Tip
This video gives you 4 tips that ensure no food will ever stick to any of your pans.
23 Simple & Helpful Life Tips Everyone Should Know
Quick and simple tips that will help you handle many of life's more irritating moments...
Christmas Tree Hacks: 9 Game-Changing Tips
Use these Christmas tree tips to make your holiday festivities easier.
How to Remove Ugly Water Stains from Wooden Furniture
Water stains can destroy the look of your wooden furniture and floors. Here's how you can remove them.
14 Creative Uses For Old Wire Coat Hangers
Coat Hangers are not just useful for hanging your favorite clothes in the closet, they are handy in so many other ways too!
DO NOT Make These Mistakes When Frying an Egg
For a quick lesson in frying an egg, just watch this vidoe guide.
Video Turorial: How to Unclog the Toilet Without a Plunger...
Unclogging the toilet is never a happy task. I was happy to discover this easy method of unclogging the toilet without having to use one.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Freshen Your Mattress
There are thousands of small reasons to clean your mattress, and one simple way to do so!
This Is How You Can Quickly Get out of a Sinking Car
If you ever find yourself in a sinking car, this is how you can escape. This video could one day save your life.
Say Goodbye to Shrunken Clothes with This Neat Laundry Trick
Recently I accidentally shrunk my favorite pair of pants. I was preparing to bid them farewell until my friend suggested a laundry trick that would revert them back to their former length. I didn’t even know this was possible. See how it's done!
5 Life-Changing Tips for Investing In Your 50+ Years
Looking to secure your cash as retirement approaches? Check out these top five investment accounts for individuals over 50.
18 Must-Know Survival Hacks for Those Tricky Moments
These clever survival hacks can help save your life someday.
I Never Imagined You Can Use Coca-Cola to Do These Things!
A bottle of Coca-Cola goes a loong way, it turns out! From tenderizing meat, to cleaning jewelry & repelling bugs, the magic drink can do it all!
Learn This Amazing Two-Step Fix For Scratched Furniture
You can give your scratched furniture a whole new lease of life by learning this super-easy two-step solution. Take a look.
7 Common Bank Scams and How to Avoid Them
Banking scams continue to evolve with time, but with proper knowledge you can learn to avoid them.
7 Ways to Trap Pesky Fruit Flies
Fruit flies can be incredibly gross and annoying, but you're about to learn 7 novel ways of trapping the little critters.
5 Sitting Positions and What They Say About You
This guide will help you understand the meaning behind five common sitting positions that you may encounter in your daily life.
10 Great Extra Uses for Charcoal Briquettes
Here's how you can put those extra charcoal briquettes to good use at home.
14 Tips to Give Tired Old Furniture a New Lease On Life
Have you got a pieces of furniture or fixtures and fittings that are looking tired? Try these 14 tips to give them added longevity and a new lease of life.